Davis Blank Furniss relocates to Deva City
The law firm has taken 4,700 sq ft at the development off Trinity Way in Salford on a six-year lease, relocating from long-term home 90 Deansgate, where it occupied 9,250 sq ft.
The decision to move from a location it has occupied since 1965 was taken last year, said the firm, with the thinking based on various factors including “enabling better client access and providing a more flexible and technologically advanced working environment for staff”.
Davis Blank Furniss’ staff numbers have remained the same as before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deva City Office Park is located on the site of the former Threlfall Brewery and comprises of 17 self-contained office units ranging in size from 750 sq ft to 8,400 sq ft.
The grade two-listed tower building provides additional office space across six floors and is fully let.
The development was purchased by Northwood Investors in 2011 and is home to occupiers including Swedish bank Handelsbanken and appliances retailer Domu Brands.
Kate Oldfield, managing partner of Davis Blank Furniss, said: “It was a big decision for us to move out of 90 Deansgate after so many years, but we knew the time was right. The relocation is an opportunity for us to create a more dynamic and nimble post Covid-19 business structure which is focussed on growth.”
Edwards & Co acted on behalf of Northwood Regional UK and are the joint agents on Deva City Office Park alongside CBRE and Canning O’Neill. Davis Blank Furniss was represented by OBI.
Paul Mills, from OBI’s transactions and asset management team, said: “DBF has been extremely forward-thinking in their response to the current pandemic, taking the decision to improve the quality of their working environment for staff and clients following their relocation.”
Oliver Woodall, senior surveyor at Edwards & Co, said: “We secured the letting to Davis Blank Furniss in the midst of challenging market conditions which is testament to the continued investment into the office park from the landlord. Interest in the vacant offices remains high as occupiers seek quality self-contained workspaces.”